Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Evansville, Indiana
Truck accidents can be frightening and overwhelming, leaving victims unsure of where to turn. The aftermath often involves serious injuries, complex liability issues, and a tangle of legal challenges. At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the difficulties you’re facing and are here to help. Our team of experienced Evansville truck accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve, guiding you through every step of the process with care and expertise. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do If You Want to File a Claim for Your Evansville Truck Accident
Filing a claim after a truck accident in Evansville can seem daunting, but taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. After you’ve sought medical care, here are the steps to take:
Gather Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, contact information for witnesses, and a copy of the police report.
Contact an Evansville Truck Accident Lawyer at Doehrman Buba Ring
Truck accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties such as the trucking company, insurance providers, and sometimes even manufacturers. An experienced Evansville truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this challenging process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. They will handle communication with insurers, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Don’t delay—contacting a lawyer as soon as possible increases the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.
Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s also essential to notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making detailed statements until you’ve consulted with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Our team at Doehrman Buba Ring can help you handle all aspects of your claim, from investigating the accident to identifying liable parties and negotiating with insurance companies. Working with a trusted legal advocate lets you focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for your Evansville Truck Accident
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial when pursuing a truck accident claim in Evansville. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the truck accident. This means you have a limited time to file your lawsuit; failing to act within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, exceptions that could affect this timeline may apply, such as cases involving minors or government entities. Our Evansville truck accident lawyers at Doehrman Buba Ring can help ensure your claim is filed on time and guide you through the legal process to maximize your chances of recovery. Don’t wait—contact us today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
How to Pay for your Evansville Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer after a truck accident can feel overwhelming, especially considering the costs involved. At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand these concerns, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis for truck accident cases. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. Instead, our payment is contingent upon successfully recovering compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This arrangement lets you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Additionally, during your free consultation, we will discuss our fee structure in detail and ensure you fully understand how payment works before proceeding.
Damages Available in Your Truck Accident Claim
When pursuing a truck accident claim, you may be entitled to recover various damages depending on your case circumstances. These damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are measurable and represent the direct financial losses you have experienced due to the accident. Common examples include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery period and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate you for the intangible effects of the accident, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Reflecting the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For cases where your injuries negatively impact your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or trauma related to the accident.
Depending on the jurisdiction, you may also be eligible for punitive damages in cases where the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. At Doehrman Buba Ring, will thoroughly assess all possible damages to maximize your compensation and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Liability for a Truck Accident
Determining liability for a truck accident can be complex as multiple parties may share responsibility.
Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first to be scrutinized, especially if their negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violation of traffic laws, contributed to the accident. However, liability does not always stop with the driver.
Trucking Company
The trucking company may also be held accountable if it fails to maintain its fleet properly, pushes the driver to meet unreasonable deadlines, or neglects to follow federal regulations.
How Can Trucking Companies Be Liable?
Trucking companies can be held liable in several ways when their actions or negligence contribute to accidents. One primary area of liability involves inadequate vehicle maintenance. Federal regulations require trucking companies to inspect and maintain their fleets to ensure road safety routinely. Failure to do so, such as ignoring worn brakes or tires, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Another common issue arises when companies push drivers to exceed federally mandated hours of service, leading to driver fatigue and poor decision-making on the road. Additionally, if a trucking company hires unqualified or improperly trained drivers, they may be held responsible for negligent hiring practices. Lastly, falsifying records such as logbooks or ignoring weight restrictions on cargo can make the company liable for damages resulting from accidents caused by these violations.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Additionally, truck parts manufacturers could be liable if a defect contributed to the crash. Cargo loaders may also share responsibility if improperly loaded or secured cargo caused the incident.
Whether it is suing negligent truck drivers or holding the trucking company responsible, an experienced truck accident lawyer at Doehrman Buba Ring will thoroughly investigate your semi-truck accident case, identify all liable parties, and work to secure the compensation you deserve in your truck accident claim.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a semi-truck accident, taking the proper steps immediately after the incident is crucial for your safety and legal rights. Here are some important actions to take following a truck accident:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: If possible, move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance for anyone who needs it. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation to detect hidden injuries is important.
- Contact Law Enforcement: A police report is essential for documenting the incident. Provide the responding officer with accurate information, but avoid making speculative statements about fault or the extent of your injuries.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If it is safe, document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any other relevant details. Collect contact information for witnesses and exchange information with the truck driver, including their employer and insurance details.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not make statements to anyone at the scene, including the truck driver or insurance representatives, that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to factual accounts of what happened.
- Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer at Doerhman Buba Ring: Truck accident cases are complex and involve multiple parties that can include the truck driver, trucking company, and more. A skilled truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible. Be truthful and provide them with the details of the incident, but avoid giving recorded statements until you have spoken with your truck accident attorney.
Taking these steps ensures your safety and strengthens your position in pursuing a fair settlement or legal claim following a truck accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver-Related Causes
Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to meet delivery deadlines, which can lead to risky behaviors on the road. Common driver-related causes include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue from extended hours behind the wheel, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These actions affect the truck driver and everyone else on the road.
Mechanical Failures
Poor vehicle maintenance is another frequent cause of truck accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic crashes, especially at high speeds. Regular inspections and proper upkeep of the truck are essential to prevent such occurrences.
Improper Cargo Loading
When cargo is not loaded or secured properly, it can shift during transport, throwing the truck off balance and increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents. Overloading a truck can also place undue stress on its mechanical systems, leading to failures.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or strong winds, significantly increase the risk of truck accidents. Reduced visibility and slick roads make it harder for drivers to maintain control, especially when driving large, heavy vehicles.
Roadway Hazards
Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and unexpected obstacles can catch truck drivers off guard and lead to accidents. Narrow lanes or sudden changes in traffic patterns pose additional risks for large trucks, which require more time and space to maneuver safely.
What is a Commercial Truck?
A commercial truck is a large vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods or materials. These trucks are essential for logistics, construction, and agriculture industries, enabling businesses to efficiently move products over long distances. Common types of commercial trucks include semi-trailers, box trucks, flatbeds, and tankers, each serving specific purposes based on the cargo they carry. Due to their size and weight, operating commercial trucks requires specialized training, licensing, and an understanding of safety regulations to ensure they are driven responsibly on public roadways.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can occur from the head striking a surface or from the force of the impact itself. Spinal cord injuries are also prevalent, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Broken bones and fractures are frequent, as the force of a truck collision can crush smaller vehicles. Additionally, truck accidents often cause internal injuries to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening. Lacerations, burns, and soft tissue injuries are common as well, often resulting in long-term physical and emotional scars for survivors.
The Truck Accident Lawyers at Doehrman Buba Ring Will Help Evansville Truck Accident Victims Recover
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact that a collision with a large truck can have on victims and their families. We are dedicated to helping Evansville truck accident victims secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Our team works tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim against the responsible parties. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court when necessary, we are committed to fighting for your rights and holding negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other liable parties accountable. With our expertise, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities on your behalf. Contact our offices today for a free consultation with an Evansville truck accident attorney.
